Dad’s Root Beer

Dad’s Root Beer, one of America’s most popular soft drinks, was developed in the 1930s by partners Barney Berns and Ely Klapman in the basement of Klapman’s Chicago-area home. The first trademark registration was filed on September 24, 1938, granted on February 14, 1939 to The Dad’s Root Beer Company of Chicago, and alleged use since February, 1937. Dad’s unique and delicious flavor earned a loyal following.

The Dad’s Root Beer brand was famous throughout the Midwest and by the late 1940s, was one of the most consumed brands of root beer throughout the United States. Jules Klapman, son of co-founder Ely, successfully took the Dad’s brand international. The name Dad’s Old Fashioned Root Beer was selected in honor of Ely Klapman’s father, and other fathers, who used to make root beer at home for their families (popular in the early 20th Century).

About Us

College City Beverage is a premier distributor for Anheuser-Busch and other beverage products. The Sawyer and Blaisdell families purchased the business from the Hubbard family in 1978. On April 2, 2007 College City Beverage began operations at its new, state of the art warehouse and offices located at 700 Railway St S in Dundas, Minnesota. Read more